Number of British troops lost in Iraq war:  179

Number of British troops lost in Afghanistan to date:  179 and counting……

The time has come for the British people to have more insight into our war in Afghanistan.

Questions that Gordon Brown must answer:

-    What are our current mission objectives in Afghanistan?

-    When do we know when the mission goals have been achieved?

-    What is our exit strategy?

-    What successes have been achieved thus far in this campaign?

-    How can Britain and the USA ensure a fair burden with NATO in this campaign?

-    How has the Government reviewed whether military equipment used by soldiers is fit for purpose?  Why do military top brass criticise their equipment?

-   Are their enough Army helicopters to get troops in and out of the theatre of battle quickly enough?  Can the Government see any evidence of troops entering the battle theatre in slow moving vehicles leaving them exposed to enemy attack?

-    Has opium production increased or decreased in Afghanistan in the past 12 months?  What evidence does the Government have when reports indicate Opium production has radically increased?

-    Has Taliban geographical control increased or decreased in past 12 months and will the Government map out their perspective of the locations of Taliban spheres of influence, (including that of Pakistan).

It is only fair that every citizen, particularly soldiers and their families, know and understand our objectives.  They risk their lives…it is the least we owe them.

It is not unpatriotic to ask these questions.  It does not undermine our armed forces.  It does not show a divided nation.

I hope that Liam Fox probes these direct but fair questions.